LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



PRESENTED BY 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Inaugural Report 



OF THE 



DIRECTOR 



OF 



The Cincinnati Observatory, 

? 

30th June, 1868. 



ANNUAL REPORT 

OF THE 

Director of the Cincinnati Observatory, 
1st MAY, 1869. 






CINCINNATI: 

Robert Clarke $- Co., Printers. 

1869. 



,v 



PREFATORY. 

IN 1859, Professor O. M. Mitchel, who had been the 
Astronomical Director of the Cincinnati Observatory from 
its foundation, removed to Albany, and left the Observatory to 
the charge of his assistant, Mr. H. Twitchell, who resigned 
the responsibility in 1861, and was succeeded by Mr. W. M. 
Davis, who resided in the building until November, 1868. 

At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Astro- 
nomical Society, held April 8, 1859, J onn P- Foote was elected 
President ; William Hooper, Secretary ; William Goodman, 
Treasurer ; and O. M. Mitchel, Charles Stetson, Pollock 
Wilson, Griffin Taylor, S. C. Parkhurst, A. M. Taylor, Wm. 
Greene, and George Carlisle, Directors. 

These gentlemen held their offices until the 27th of June, 
1867, when another election resulted in the choice of Alphonso 
Taft, President ; William Hooper, Secretary ; William Good- 
man, Treasurer ; and Joseph Torrence, John Carlisle, Edmund 
Dexter, George Graham, L. B. Harrison, T. D. Lincoln, Rufus 
King, and S. Davis, Jr., Directors. The vacancy caused by 
the resignation of Joseph Torrence was shortly afterward filled 
by the election of Robert Buchanan. 

The first act of the new Board of Control was to secure 
temporary subscriptions to make the much-needed repairs of the 
building, and to conduct the Observatory, until some plan for 
the endowment and proper support of the institution could be 
matured. A subscription of §100 a year for three years was 
soon obtained from each of the following gentlemen: 



iv Prefatory. 



John Shillito, Hoover, Pumphrey & Co., 

L. B. Harrison, Rufus King, 

Julius Dexter, Samuel Davis, Jr., 

Wm. Hooper, Henry Probasco, 

Edward Sargent, G. K. Shoenberger, 

R. R. Springer, John Kilgour, 

Peter Neff, Lewis E. Mills, 

Lowell Fletcher, T. D. Lincoln, 

Robert Mitchell, Alphonso Toft. 

In the winter of 1867— '68, Cleveland Abbe, of the 
Washington Observatory, was invited to take charge of the 
Cincinnati Observatory. Mr. Abbe accepted the invitation, 
and after a preliminary visit in April, 1868, removed to Cincin- 
nati in June of the same year. 

The accompanying reports submitted to the Board of 
Control of the Astronomical Society show the history of the 
institution since Mr. Abbe has had the charge of it. 

The present officers of the Society, as elected at the 
annual meeting, May 4, 1869, are as follows : 

ROBERT BUCHANAN, President. 
WILLIAM HOOPER, Secretary. 
WILLIAM GOODMAN, Treasurer. 

Directors. 
ALPHONSO TAFT. 
MILES GREENWOOD. 
SAMUEL DAVIS, JR. 
EDMUND DEXTER. 
L. B. HARRISON. 
RUFUS KING. 
T. D. LINCOLN. 
JOHN SHILLITO. 



INAUGURAL 



Q^ejrori of ihe director 



OF THE 



Cincinnati Observatory 



■TO THE- 



BOARD OF CONTROL, 

June 30, 1868. 



Gentlemen : 

In presenting to you a report on 
the condition of the Observatory, and on the course that I have 
pursued during my connection with it, dating from the ist of 
the present month, I beg leave to offer the following prefatory 
remarks, directing your attention to the past history of this insti- 
tution : 

HISTORICAL. 
Inspired by the eloquence of Professor O. M. Mitchel, the 
Astronomical Society was organized as such in May, 1842, and 
its Astronomer authorized to proceed to Europe and order an 
equatorial telescope, such as then far surpassed all others on this 
continent. After his return, in June, 1843, ms whole energies 
were devoted to the erection of a suitable building, and the cere- 
mony of the laying of the corner-stone, on the 10th of Novem- 

00 



CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 



ber following, must always form an epoch in the history of Cin- 
cinnati. The building was so far finished in March, 1845, that 
the great equatorial, which had arrived in February, could be 
unpacked and placed in its position. Its performance gave com- 
plete satisfaction, and the three thousand visitors during the first 
year found an abundant gratification of their curiosity, as well as 
instruction and food for contemplative thought. 

As the Society had, however, expressly stipulated that they 
were not to provide a support for the Director of the Observa- 
tory, but left it to him to earn a livelihood by lecturing, teaching 
and writing, it soon became evident that these latter occupa- 
tions, as well as the interruptions of visitors, were becoming a 
very severe tax upon his time and strength, almost wholly pre- 
venting him from devoting himself to that which the preamble 
to our constitution well states to be the "duty of every people," 
/. e. " to add, as far as possible, to the general stock of human 
knowledge." 

The second of the four duties imposed on " the Astrono- 
mer," in the eighth article of the original constitution, requires 
that u he shall conduct a series of scientific observations, such as 
may, in conjunction with other similar observations, conduce to 
new discoveries, and perfect those already made in the heavens." 
In order not to obstruct the performance of this important work, 
it was, in 1846, October 12, ordered by the Board of Directors 
that the Observatory should be open to visitors only on Thurs- 
day, Friday and Saturday of each week ; and, in order to com- 
plete the apparatus essential to the proper use of the equatorial, 
means were taken to secure an astronomical clock and a transit 
instrument. The former was purchased by the late Mr. Wilson 
McGrew, and it is understood that it was donated to the Observ- 
atory without conditions, at least no record of such has come to 
my knowledge. A transit, made by Troughton in 18 16, was 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 



loaned to the Observatory by the United States Coast Survey, 
which important department of Government service seems to 
have intended to make this Observatory a central station in 
its longitude operations. That we do not now continue to oc- 
cupy this relation to the Coast Survey is a matter of much solici- 
tude, and it is to be hoped that we shall be able to regain our 
former position. 

A room having been built for the transit and its clock, in 
1847, they were duly put in place. A chronometer was loaned to 
the Observatory by the Messrs. E. & G. W. Blunt, of New York 
city, and the telegraph companies kindly made a connection be- 
tween their station and the Observatory in 1848, at the request 
of Prof. Bache. In the autumn of this year, Messrs. Walker 
and Pourtales determined the difference of longitude between 
Philadelphia and Cincinnati — a full report of which is published 
in the proceedings of the American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Science, at the meeting held in this city in 1851. 

In the previous year the Director had secured the valuable 
services of Mr. Henry Twitchell as his assistant, and who for 
twelve years held that position, and was left in charge of the 
Observatory when Prof. Mitchel removed to Albany in 1859. 

It is not necessary for me to detail the straits to which the 
Director was reduced in order to provide for his own support. 
He had volunteered to carry on the institution, " if need be, for 
ten years," confident that many would be found to sustain him in 
the position. When, finally, the Monthly Journal, the popular 
lectures and published writings proved insufficient, he, in 1853- 
'54, entered upon a work promising still greater pecuniary reward. 

Meanwhile, the world-wide interest excited by the building 
of our Observatory had stirred many cities to emulate Cincin- 
nati in cultivating that science which is properly recognized as 
" the foster parent of all others." Among these, Albany, by 



8 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

the erection of the Dudley Observatory, takes a high rank, and 
Prof. Mitchel was induced to take the Directorship of that 
observatory, doubtless in consideration of the comparatively 
munificent support promised him, as well as far superior instru- 
mental facilities offered for the prosecution of purely scientific 
investigations. 

Those, however, were troublous times, and none could 
be insensible to the claims of our country upon the loyal citizen. 
In the midst of a brilliant and successful campaign he was taken 
from us, who, by his own energy and perseverance, had brought 
such lasting glory to this city and to his own name. The coun- 
try lost a patriot, science a benefactor, the world an orator. 

The Observatory, now without a head, since Mr. Twitchell 
had entered into business in this city, and the building already 
suffering much for want of repairs, and from the neglectfulness 
of the family who had been allowed to occupy a portion of it, it 
very fortunately happened that one of our own citizens, Prof. 
W. M. Davis, offered to occupy the building, and keep it, as 
well as the grounds, in repair, receiving therefor the free rental 
and use of the premises, and having the privilege of making such 
observations with the instrument as his inclinations might dic- 
tate. This pleasant arrangement, which still continues in force, 
has doubtless been ' of the greatest advantage to the institu- 
tion, since, otherwise, the buildings and instruments and books 
must have suffered irreparable damage. For two years Mr. 
Davis continued to observe a series of moon culminations, such 
as had been begun here in 1856, in the interest of the Coast 
Survey, and for which a certain sum was paid annually. This 
sum was, in whole or in part, spent on the buildings and grounds ; 
but, on the death of Prof. Bache, this stipend was withdrawn, 
and the transit instrument, which belongs to the Coast Survey, 
was shortly afterwards removed from the Observatory. 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 



This transit has been replaced by one made by Mr. Davis 
himself, and which, though his own private property, has been 
used by him for the purpose of determining the error of the Ob- 
servatory clock, and is still very kindly placed at our disposal. 
Attached to the clock is an apparatus for breaking an elec- 
tric current at every other beat of the pendulum. By this 
means a record may be made upon what is known as the chro- 
nograph. Of this latter valuable instrument, the Observatory 
possesses no specimen ; but one, which is the property of Mr. 
Davis, and which was made by Messrs. Jas. Foster, Jr. & Co., 
after designs by Mr. Twitchell, is standing in the transit room 
by the side of the transit instrument. 

As I can not find anything of the chronometer above men- 
tioned as having been loaned to the Observatory, I infer that it 
has been returned to its owners, probably in 1859, when Prof. 
Mitchel removed from this city. 

In concluding this sketch of our past history, allow me to 
add that when, on the 1st of February, I accepted the position 
of Director of the Observatory, it was not then convenient for 
me to remove hither from Washington, but in April I improved 
my earliest opportunity to visit this city, and, since the 1st of 
June, having resigned my position in the National Observatory, 
my whole time has been devoted to the interests of the Cincin- 
nati Observatory. 

INTEREST OF OTHER OBSERVATORIES. 

It may be proper here to mention that, both on the occa- 
sion of my visit in April, and again on my trip hither in June, I 
improved every opportunity of visiting the other observatories and 
astronomers of our country, and it will be interesting to you to 
know that every where there was exhibited the heartiest pleasure 
2 



IO CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

at learning of the intended resuscitation of our Observatory. 
Each seemed to seek to find some way in which to offer assist- 
ance and encouragement, while all united in deploring the inac- 
tion of the past ten years. There is, in astronomy, a continual 
endeavor on the part of each one to add something to our 
knowledge by his own original observations and researches; nor 
does any one feel that he has attained to any degree of useful- 
ness until this has been accomplished ; accordingly, all unite in 
expressing the hope that we shall now push on in the field of 
astronomical activity, and by laborious observations and compu- 
tations seek to derive from our fine equatorial whatever of benefit 
it is calculated to give. 

Encouraged by so many friends, and by the hopes so fre- 
quently expressed in the early records of the Society, and by the 
opinions uttered by yourselves verbally, I beg respectfully to com- 
mend to you that sentiment that should actuate us, as I appre- 
hend, in our future course : 

The pursuit of abstruse astronomical investigations, and the 
utilization of practical astronomy are equally important to the true 
interests of the Observatory, and should be simultaneously cultivated. 

INVENTORY. 

Before considering our future, allow me to detail to you the 
condition of the Observatory property on the ist of June. The 
Society possesses the use of four acres of ground upon Mount 
Adams, etc.; 

The Observatory and dwelling of the Director, etc. ; 

The furniture contained therein, excepting that belonging 
to Mr. Davis ; 

The nl-inch, 17-J-feet equatorial, etc., by Merz and 
Mahler ; 

The sidereal clock, by Molyneux, No. 151 ; 



INAUGURAL REPORT. II 



A standard mercurial barometer, by James Green ; 

A standard psychrometer, by James Green ; 

A thermometer, by James Foster, Jr. & Co. ; 

A library of 234 separate volumes or titles ; 

The archives, consisting of twenty-four volumes of astro- 
nomical observations, and two chests of the former publications 
of the Society. 

BUILDING AND INSTRUMENTS. 

It can not be said that the Observatory building is in good 
repair; nor would it be possible to make it a comfortable winter 
residence without considerable expense. The arrangement by 
which the whole roof is rolled off to the northward or south- 
ward, when the equatorial is used, gives much trouble. The 
entire uncovering of the observing room has also many disad- 
vantages, and, especially, puts the instrument at the mercy of 
the least breeze that may spring up. Accurate observations can 
only be taken when there is no wind and no dew. 

The equatorial itself is in as good condition as could have 
been expected. Its better preservation would be insured if it 
were revarnished and lacquered. The object glass, though it is 
of Frauenhofer's make, is scarcely equal in definition to those 
recently manufactured by Alvan Clark, of Cambridgeport, for 
the observatories of Quebec, Chicago, etc. 

THE LIBRARY. 

The fragmentary condition of the library demands that all 
possible means be taken to render it as complete and serviceable 
as possible ; for, without proper books, it is generally a waste of 
time to attempt any independent astronomical work, so liable is 
one to do over what has been done before and better. 

Accordingly, I, in April, sought an interview with Prof. 
Hough, the Director of the Dudley Observatory, and learned 



12 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

from him that most of the works that had formerly been here 
had been presented to Prof. Mitchel, as the Director, and had 
been, at his order, sent to Albany in i860. A part of these is 
still there, but the greater part is in the possession of Professor 
Mitchel's heirs. I have accordingly sought an interview with 
the members of this family, and am assured that they still 
retain a deep interest in the welfare of this Observatory, and 
will present to us all of Prof. Mitchel's library so soon as they 
have assurance that the books will be properly used and cared 
for. I expect that this priceless accession to our library will be 
received within a few weeks. 

Doubtless Prof. Hough will also consent to return to us 
such works from the Observatory's, or from Prof. Mitchel's, 
library as are still at Albany. 

On mentioning our need of astronomical literature to Com- 
modore Benj. F. Sands, the honored Superintendent of the United 
States Naval Observatory at Washington, he kindly assured me 
that should there be any duplicate or triplicate volumes in their 
own library, such as they could readily spare, he would be happy 
to loan them to us, subject, however, to recall at any time. 
The volumes thus loaned to us form a most welcome addition 
to our library, for which we must hope to make due return by 
our contributions to knowledge. 

My own private library, which will be contained in the 
same room with the Observatory library, completes the list of 
books at our command. 

We are happy to hope that an arrangement may be made 
with the public libraries of the city by which we may have ac- 
cess to any work they may possess, and which is not contained 
in our own collection. 

As it behooves us diligently to watch for opportunities to 
improve our library, I take pleasure in calling attention to the 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 13 

fact that the scientific library of the late Prof. Bache is now rap- 
idly being sold or given away. There are, however, still re- 
maining some works that we should desire to possess. Similarly 
•I learn that the library of the late Dr. John Locke contained 
many works of special interest and value to us, which we would 
do well to secure if possible. 

Among the donations to our library, we have further to re- 
cord the gift by Mr. H. P. Tuttle, through Prof. A. Hall, of a 
large package of numbers of the Astronomische Nachrichten. 

EXCHANGES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 
It is well understood by the Board of Control that, in order 
to secure a speedy dissemination of the results obtained by any 
savant^ it is the long-established custom for such person, or the 
society who publishes his works, to distribute them gratuitously 
to such as are engaged in similar labors. It is, however, always 
expected that a proper acknowledgment of the reception of such 
work will be sent to the author, and that the recipient will return 
the favor, in due course of time, by the gift of copies of his own 
publications. In this way it is chiefly that we must hope to in- 
crease our own library. But I find that, by long neglect to 
return proper acknowledgment, and by failing to present our own 
publications, we have much diminished the circle of our ex- 
changes. There are now on hand gifts from about fifty socie- 
ties, or individuals, that ought to be duly acknowledged, and the 
acknowledgment accompanied by the presentation of such of 
the Society's publications as now remain on hand. The writing 
of these letters, and the transmission of these publications, 
through the Smithsonian Institution engage my earnest attention, 
now that I have finished the catalogue of the books that be- 
longed to the Observatory on the 1st of June. 



14 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 



ARCHIVES. 

The record of the observations made here since 1845, are, 
as before stated, contained in twenty-four volumes of observa- 
tions and some twenty volumes of miscellaneous computations. 
Two additional volumes are in the hands of Prof. Twitchell ; 
these will be returned to the care of the Observatory. I have 
devoted one day to making myself acquainted with the contents 
of these volumes, and do not hesitate to say that there is con- 
tained therein the material for at least one volume of valuable 
astronomical results, which ought to be published during the 
coming year, if Messrs. Twitchell and Hough consent thereto, 
so far as their own observations are concerned. The family of 
Prof. Mitchel have expressed their willingness to intrust the 
entire publication to my discretion, so far as concerns the labors 
of their lamented father. 

It has been in vain that I have attempted to obtain a com- 
plete set of the publications of the Society, of the Observatory 
and of Prof. Mitchel. I deem it of great interest and import- 
ance that such a complete set should be preserved in the Arch- 
ives of the Observatory, and I trust that members of the Board 
or of the Society having any such works, and willing to part 
with them, will remember the needs of our library. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Although severely tasked by the many calls upon my time 
and strength, I have been able to improve much of the pleasant 
weather of the past three weeks, and, although my labors have 
mostly resulted in showing the difficulties against which one will 
have to contend in the atmosphere, the want of a dome, the 
imperfections of the driving clock, and the inconvenience of the 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 1 5 

observing bench ; yet it is as well for me to mention that on the 
20th I first obtained such observations as enabled me to deter- 
mine with approximate accuracy the errors in the position of the 
equatorial. It was impossible for me to observe such stars as 
were needed in order to get a better result on account of the 
interference of the movable roof, but I concluded that the results 
would justify me in proceeding to examine the southern heavens 
for new double stars, and in determining their approximate posi- 
tions, to which work I have since then mostly confined my 
attention. The work will be continued, although the results, 
owing to the unfavorable atmosphere surrounding us, can not be 
otherwise than second rate in quality, since the close double stars 
must often escape notice. 

For the determination of the time, since we have as yet no 
conveniences for mounting the portable transit to be hereafter 
mentioned, I have made use of the instrument belonging to Mr. 
Davis. The north shutter of the transit-room being out of 
repair, I contented myself for the first two days with observa- 
tions of such stars as could be seen through the remaining open- 
ings, and only on the 25th instant first obtained an observation of 
the Pole Star. In these observations Mr. Davis has assisted, 
and it would greatly relieve me could he or some other compe- 
tent person be regularly employed to make the necessary daily 
time determinations. 

The daily comparisons of the clock with the chronometers to 
be hereafter mentioned, and the regular meteorological observa- 
tions are systematically made and recorded, as constituting a 
necessary part of the work of an Observatory. 

FUTURE ACTIVITY. 

With this summary of what has been done within the past 
three weeks, as preparatory to the future, I wish to explain, as 



1 6 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

fully as may be advisable, the course that recommends itself as 
the wisest that we can adopt. 

Since its foundation the Observatory has been considered 
as partly a means of gratifying the general curiosity of its friends 
in matters pertaining to the heavenly bodies, and partly as a 
means of advancing the science of Astronomy. The former at 
first naturally claimed a great share of the Director's attention : 
but as the general expectation of results useful to the commu- 
nity can not be satisfied so long as the Observatory work is liable 
to continual interruptions from privileged visitors, I recommend 
to substitute for the former department of usefulness another 
which will be much more satisfactory to the community, more 
honorable to the Society, and more profitable to the Observa- 
tory ; one which, if well occupied, will indeed entitle us to that 
rank among the Observatories of the world to which we have 
been aspiring for twenty-five years. 

If the Director be sustained in the general endeavor to 
make the Observatory useful, he would propose to extend the 
field of activity of the Observatory so as to embrace, on the one 
hand, scientific astronomy, meteorology, and magnetism, and, on 
the other, the application of these sciences to geography and 
geodesy, to storm predictions and to the wants of the citizen and 
the land surveyor. 

In elaborating the details of this extension, we would remark : 

I. The possession of our large equatorial indicates to us 
the field in which we can best further astronomical science. 
The usefulness of this instrument is, however, enhanced many 
fold if it be supplemented by two others, which are also of great 
importance to the proper execution of the work to be hereafter 
mentioned. I refer to the Meridian Transit Instrument and to 
the Vertical Circle. With or without these important auxilia- 
ries- as the case may be, however, the following are such works 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 17 

as the equatorial is eminently fitted to be employed upon, some 
of them being already in progress : 

(a) The revision of the heavens for new double stars. 

(b) The revision of the heavens for new nebulae. 

(c) The revision of the heavens for new asteroids. 

(d) The observations of relative positions of multiple stars. 

(e) The observations of relative positions of nebulae and 
adjacent stars. 

(y) The observations of relative positions of asteroids and 
adjacent stars. 

(£•) The observations of relative positions of planets and 
their satellites. 

(hi) The observations of relative positions of solar spots. 

(7) The observations of relative positions of comets. 

(i) The observations of relative positions of special clus- 
ters of stars. 

(/) The observations of relative positions for differential 
parallaxes. 

(m) Zone observations of stars fainter than the ninth and 
tenth magnitudes. 

(n) Physical appearances of the sun, moon, and planets. 

(0) Drawings and studies of the most interesting nebulae 
and comets. 

(p) Observations of occultations, eclipses, and occasional 
phenomena. 

(q) The addition of a spectroscope as an auxiliary to the 
equatorial will enable us to engage in the investigations bearing 
upon the physical constitution of the heavenly bodies, but the 
use of this instrument demands so perfect a protection from the 
wind and so accurate a clock-work motion that it would be well 
nigh useless in the present condition of the equatorial room. 
3 



I 8 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

(r) The addition of a photographic apparatus would enable 
us to use the equatorial for the purpose of photographing not 
only the sun and moon, but especially the double stars and in- 
tricate clusters. Here again, however, the present construction 
of the observing room offers many disadvantages, and this class 
of observations must be reserved for a more favorable period. 

(s) The Zollner Photometer can be very easily applied as 
an auxiliary to the equatorial, and as its use does not imperatively 
demand so steady a clock-work motion as the previously men- 
tioned auxiliaries, I would respectfully recommend the purchase 
of such an instrument, as it will enable us to engage in a very 
important class of observations which promise to add largely to 
our knowledge of the heavenly bodies. 

II. In meteorology the Observatory ought to keep a record 
of regular hourly observations of all phenomena depending upon 
the atmosphere. The value of these records will be greatly 
enhanced by using self-recording instruments. 

III. In magnetism a regular record should be kept of the 
variation of the compass needle, of its dip, and of die horizontal 
force. Here, again, self-recording instruments should be intro- 
duced. Every attempt should also be made to collect similar 
data from neighboring portions of the country, and especially 
from the records of the past fifty years, in order to discover the 
laws according to which these quantities change in value. 

IV. The simplest application of astronomy consists in the 
determination of time. This is always a daily duty in a well- 
organized observatory. But the regular transmission of the cor- 
rect time to the city, or to private corporations, may involve 
some outlay ; especially will it necessitate an assistant who can 
supply the place of the Director in case of his absence. 

V. It is well known that from most ancient times astron- 
omy has been the guide and friend of the mariner. He is de- 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 



l 9 



pendent entirely upon astronomical observations in determining 
his latitude and longitude at sea ; and, similarly, travelers ex- 
ploring unknown lands determine their courses and their positions 
by astronomical means. Practical astronomy offers by far the 
most expeditious and convenient means of laying down the 
groundwork for a map of any large tract of country ; the rilling 
in of the details of the surface belongs to the topographical sur- 
veyor. 

Our ignorance of the geography of our own land is so 
great, that the maps of even the Eastern States are continually 
found to be grossly in error, and we have here an almost un- 
limited field of labor open before us. Our own State, and the 
adjoining States of Indiana and Kentucky, offer most admirable 
facilities for the application of the methods so successfully in- 
troduced by Struve into the surveys of Russia. Every contri" 
bution of this kind will be welcomed most gladly by the thou- 
sands who are continually making or using maps. 

VI. The astronomical method of determining the position 
of points on the earth's surface, however, requires that we know 
the exact size and shape of the earth, which, as is well-known, 
is by no means a sphere nor even a true spheroid. This knowl- 
edge we already possess for certain portions of the earth's sur- 
face, especially for. Europe and India. In America, however, 
there is still needed the measurement of an arc of the meridian, 
and of one of longitude. These immense geodesic triangulations 
centre in our city, since the arc of the meridian, whose measure- 
ment is the most feasible, passes from the Straits of Mackinac to 
the Gulf of Mexico, and the most desirable arc of longitude 
passes from Washington to San Francisco. 

The accomplishment of such works as are here indicated, 
demands a lifetime, but by making an earnest beginning we shall 



20 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

insure final success, and make Cincinnati the centre of a most 
important national undertaking. 

VII. In connection with the geodesic triangulation, the 
use of the Bessel-Repsold Reversion Pendulum is an important 
auxiliary ; and independently of the triangulation, we shall make 
a most important contribution to our knowledge of the earth's 
internal constitution by conducting a Pendulum Survey of the 
country bordering on the meridian line above alluded to, running 
north and south from Cincinnati. 

VIII. One of the most important geodesical problems is 
the determination of the difference in level of two distant points. 
The annual expenditure of large sums of money in railroad and 
canal surveys, show us the value of this knowledge. The accurate 
determination, however, of the difference in level of distant 
points, is a very difficult problem in geodesy. It would facili- 
tate many branches of industry if in every county there should 
be established at least one point of reference, or "bench mark," 
whose altitude above the standard plane of reference should be 
determined with great care and accuracy, and to which other 
neighboring points could be referred. 

IX. The science of meteorology is slowly advancing to that 
point at which it will begin to yield most valuable results to the 
general community. Although we can not yet predict the wea- 
ther for a week in advance, yet we are safe in saying that, with 
a proper arrangement of outposts, we can generally predict three 
days in advance any extended storm, and six hours in advance 
any violent hurricane. This may be effected simply by con- 
stituting the observatory a central station, to which telegraphic 
reports of the weather are regularly daily transmitted. The 
careful study of these despatches enables the meteorologist 
safely to make the predictions mentioned, which can be at once 
disseminated through the public papers or otherwise. In France; 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 21 

Italy and England, and on our own eastern coast, such storm- 
warnings are considered of very great importance. 

X. Terrestrial magnetism finds its most important applica- 
tions in the labors of the navigator, explorer and surveyor. All 
who use the compass needle need to know its variations from 
the true north. This variation, as is well known, is changing 
hourly and yearly. Surveys of lands based only on the compass 
must be rectified by allowing for the error of variation, and if 
this be not known often after the lapse of twenty-five years 
it becomes a matter of great difficulty to retrace the boundary 
lines as defined in the original deeds. 

Only our own State, and a very few others, have wisely 
directed that every county shall have a fixed meridian line, and 
that every survey shall be regulated thereby. 

It will be our duty to assist in making such meridian lines, 
and to collect such data as will enable us to determine, at least 
approximately, what the variation has been at any point within 
our State, and at any time since its settlement. Such knowledge 
as this is oftentimes of the greatest value in important lawsuits 
concerning lands. 

As the whole of the land belonging to the Federal Gov- 
ernment has been surveyed by the compass, and as the phenom- 
ena of the magnetic needle are connected together over the 
whole world, our results have more than a local — rather, indeed, 
a world-wide interest. 

XL The proper conduct of each or all of the preceding 
undertakings will necessitate a more or less complete scientific 
library, such as will, when once well indexed, constitute a cen- 
tre of attraction for students and others engaged on similar 
works. It will be our object, by exchanges and purchases, to 
build up such a library as rapidly as possible. 

XII. In proportion as our reputation has suffered in the 



22 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

past, by failing to publish to the world the results stored up in 
the observation books of our archives, and in proportion as we 
desire to secure the attention and respect of the world, must we 
disseminate our results by publishing them in pamphlet form and 
sending them to our co-workers in these fields of usefulness. 
Systematic observations should be published at the close of each 
year; special observations at the close of the series. 

XIII. It is not to be supposed that the growth of our 
Observatory can be aught else than slow, especially so from 
the need of well-trained assistants. Although in the beginning 
of such an enterprise the management is given quite completely 
into the hands of one director, yet eventually it must become 
an association of savants^ and practical men, with an exec- 
utive or responsible head. In order that we may insure the 
most effective co-operation it seems best to found here, at once, 
a school of practical astronomy and geodesy, in which the tui- 
tion and use of instruments shall be free to all young men who 
desire thoroughly to perfect themselves in these departments. 

For the encouragement and sustenance of worthy young 
men, especially such as come from our own city high schools, it 
is to be hoped that scholarships, yielding a moderate income, 
may be established by our citizens — as is done in the universities 
of our Eastern States and of England. 



If the preceding outline of what may be done here seem to 
demand such material resources as we can scarce ever hope to 
command, I beg to add that we ought at least to keep this wide- 
extended usefulness ever before us as our special and proper field 
of labor. In order to remove any misapprehension, I would add 
that the expenses of our Observatory will not arise from costly 
edifices, nor even from costly instruments, but from the salaries 



c 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 2$ 

of the many able men whom we should endeavor to attract to 
it, and who will form the nucleus of a scientific and literary cir- 
cle such as is found in but few cities in the world. 

THE INITIATIVE. 

If the Board of Control agree with me in giving this direc- 
tion to our labors, I may be allowed to say that, anticipating our 
entire harmony, I have been making certain inquiries which 
have led to the following information : 

1. There is a demand by certain parties for a more accu- 
rate knowledge of the latitude and longitude of prominent 
points in Kentucky and Tennessee. Quite an honorable con- 
tract may be entered into by the Observatory to furnish this 
information. 

2. I have received an invitation to lay out a meridian line 
in a certain county in this State, a work that can be executed 
only by astronomical observations, and which will afford me an 
opportunity simultaneously to determine the latitude, longitude 
and magnetic variation for the point visited. 

3. Learning that much inconvenience is felt in the city 
from the want of standard mean time, I have prepared a me- 
morial to the City Council, setting forth that as we have long 
furnished such time to certain clock makers in this city when- 
ever they have desired it, we are able to furnish the city directly 
and regularly as often as may be required with the correct time. 

4. Learning that a complete set of costly self-recording 
magnetic instruments is in the possession of the Coast Survey, I 
have received unofficial information that if we will furnish an 
observer, and the simple building required to shelter them, they 
shall be placed at our disposal. 

5. A daily bulletin of telegraph dispatches from the mete- 
orolgical observers of the country being necessary to the predic- 



'24 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

tion of storms, I have received the promise of the hearty co- 
operation of the Smithsonian observers, and also of those of the 
army, as well as of certain of the telegraph companies. 

6. In connection with the proposed School of Geodesy and 
Practical Astronomy, it is proper to say that, to the best of my 
knowledge, this field is at present occupied alone by the Military 
Academy at West Point, excepting those schools in which either 
topography or the use of fixed instruments is taught. It will 
be pleasant to the Board to learn that I have lately been written 
to by a Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in a distant 
university, inquiring upon what terms he can reside with me, 
and acquaint himself with the workings of our Observatory. I 
desire to open our doors widely and freely to all such, and I 
deeply regret that our present dwelling is so fully occupied that 
I can not offer the gentleman referred to entertainment as the 
guest of the Observatory. 

7. Finally, and in connection with our geographical activity, 
I have to mention a most interesting incident that occurred just 
before my departure from Washington. It was found that in 
revising the " list of the positions of the principal astronomical 
observatories of the world," which has appeared annually in the 
national " Nautical Almanac and Astronomical Ephemeris," 
the name of Cincinnati was omitted. This omission was, no 
doubt, partly due to the fact that the position of this observa- 
tory with reference to the others of the world is only very roughly 
known. No accurate determination of its latitude is known to 
exist, and its longitude was determined in the infancy of the tel- 
egraphic method, by reference to the High School at Philadel- 
phia, and by using a very inferior transit instrument mounted on 
a very improper base at this Observatory. 

Upon a consideration of these facts, Professor J. C. Cof- 
fin, the Superintendent of the Nautical Almanac, addressed a 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 1$ 

note to the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, Rear Admiral 
Thornton A. Jenkins, recommending that the proper instru- 
ments be loaned to the Cincinnati Observatory for the purpose 
of accurately determining its position. With the approval of the 
Honorable Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Jenkins, who has 
long exhibited a warm interest in the resuscitation of our Observ- 
atory, secured for our use a fine portable transit and a portable 
zenith telescope, and, in addition to these, three superior chro- 
nometers. It is difficult to overestimate the importance to the 
Observatory of this even temporary addition to its instrumental 
facilities, allowing us, as it does, at once to begin our geographi- 
cal labors in the, to us, most important locality. 

OUR LOCATION. 

I have been thus minute in explaining of what seems to be 
the direction to which we can most wisely turn our energies, 
that I may now with propriety present to you that plan of future 
action which recommends itself by every consideration to our 
adoption. 

In 1858, Professor Mitchel, in his report to the Superin- 
tendent of the Coast Survey, found himself obliged to apolo- 
gize for certain deficiencies in the observations, caused by the 
smoke and hot air from the city, which often hid all but the 
brightest stars, and much impaired the value of his results. The 
reason which then existed, causing him to desire the removal of 
the Observatory, is certainly become more cogent now. 

In the selection of a site for an observatory, it has long 
been recognized as of paramount importance that we should seek 
to avoid the heated air, smoke, dust and noise of cities, as also 
the moisture and fog accompanying river valleys, and the abnor- 
mal refractions which are found in both these situations. For 
4 



iG CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

the most successful use of the meridian transit, it is necessary to 
have not only a north and south line, but also an east and west 
line, each a thousand feet in length and nearly horizontal. If 
the east and west line be somewhat shorter, the north and south 
one may not be diminished without risk of impairing the accuracy 
of our results. A high station and commanding view may be sac- 
rificed if we secure the former desiderata — indeed a high hill often 
becomes an exceedingly inappropriate position, because of the 
exposure to the winds. 

The neglect of these important considerations in olden 
times has entailed excessive inconvenience upon many of the 
most famous observatories. We may safely affirm that only the 
prejudice in favor of " the old homestead," and the difficulty of 
effecting a removal from a long-established position could ever 
have retained the Royal Observatory at Greenwich or the 
Naval Observatory at Washington in their time-honored loca- 
tions. For twenty years it has been almost unanimously agreed 
that the Imperial Observatory at Paris (now just two hundred 
years old) must be removed — and, serious as it may be to under- 
take such a step, yet, during the past winter, a commission has 
been appointed to recommend the proper course to be pursued 
— for the atmosphere of the city is proving more and more prej- 
udicial to the work of the astronomer. Similarly, for over sev- 
enty years, the Imperial Observatory in the city of St. Peters-, 
burg has been nearly useless, and the eminent astronomer, 
Struve, insisted that the new observatory, built in 1835-39, 
should be located at least ten miles from the city limits. It was 
accordingly established in the village of Poulkova, on a broad 
plateau above the surrounding country, and has ever since main- 
tained its reputation as the finest observatory in the world. 

Therefore, even if the board do not coincide with the 
director in his desire to see the Cincinnati Observatory enlarge 



INAUGURAL REPORT. 1^ 

its field of usefulness, I am confident that, in view of the proba- 
ble rapid extension of this city, its suburbs, and neighboring 
cities, you will agree that now is the proper time for us to remove 
to a situation which shall be secure from inconvenience for the 
next fifty years. 

If, on the other hand, we consider the extension that it is 
possible to give to our observatory, then we must acknowledge 
that the time may soon come when the four acres that we now 
occupy on Mount Adams will have become too small for us. 

I, therefore, do not hesitate to recommend that the Board 
resolve at once to seek a new location for the Observatory. 



In conclusion, let us ever remember that astronomy deals 
with the whole earth as a unit, and that our contributions to 
knowledge are not for Cincinnati alone, but for all mankind, 
and for posterity as well as for ourselves. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

CLEVELAND ABBE. 



ANNUAL 

QJlcjrotri of ihe ^iveciov 

OF THE 

Cincinnati Observatory 

TO THE 

BOARD OF CONTROL 

FOR THE 

YEAR ENDING MAY i, 1869. 



My Inaugural Report, presented on the first of July, 1868, 
touched upon what had been done during the previous month 
of June, but was confined principally to the general con- 
dition of the Observatory and its proper future course and needs. 
In the present Report there will perhaps have to be repeated 
somewhat of what was stated a year ago, but I shall confine my- 
self chiefly to a brief synopsis of that which has been done in 
the Observatory, or elsewhere in its interests. 

PERSONAL. 

I have to acknowledge the temporary assistance of several 
persons. During the months of July, August and September, 
my brother, Mr. Robert Abbe, spent his college vacation with me, 
and rendered much assistance in many ways, and especially in com- 



ANNUAL REPORT. 2g 



piling a catalogue of the books and pamphlets in the observatory 
library. In November, Mr. W. M. Davis removed with his 
family to their residence in the city, and Mr. David Kinney was 
•engaged with his family to reside in the observatory building. A 
tedious illness having fallen upon me, I subsequently engaged 
the services of Mr. W. P. Kinney, who, although not paid by the 
Observatory, has for several months been able to devote spare 
days or hours, to such repairs and alterations as were demanded 
during the winter. The need of an assistant in carrying on the 
astronomical observations and computations makes itself more 
and more apparent, and I have accordingly addressed a note on 
this subject to several of the best schools in the city, and am 
encouraged to think that at least one young man will enter upon 
the study of astronomy with me during the coming summer. 
Such students should be properly reimbursed for such work as 
may be of advantage to the Observatory. It is very desirable 
to have also one student who shall give the subjects of magnetism 
and meteorology his special attention. 

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 

Besides minor repairs, in the way of glazing, cleaning the 
cistern, repairing fences and wall, and cutting down dead trees, 
etc., I have to notice the removal of the dilapidated stable, 
which for years had been an eyesore to the neighborhood, and 
the rental of the cottage on the south side of the grounds to Mr. 
Keatley. The room under the transit room has been set apart 
as a work-shop. A large stove erected in the central hall has 
served well to warm the house. The room occupied by myself 
is the only one that can be said to be furnished, and its furniture 
has received but slight addition since last June. One of the 
front portico columns demands immediate attention, if it would 
be saved from falling and destroying the whole portico. 



30 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 



INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR APPUR- 
TENANCES. 

The Equatorial. — The rolling roof of the Equatorial room 
continues to give a great deal of trouble, as it has done for 
many years past. An entirely new set of ropes has been intro- 
duced, and the iron railway put in good order, but the irregu- 
larities of the gearing wheels still require to be overcome. 
Whether the roof be rolled to the South or the North, how- 
ever, the smoke from the Observatory chimneys is very apt 
to be caught under it, and to settle in clouds about the observer. 

The instrument itself has received two thorough cleanings 
and several oilings ; fixed steps have been attached to all sides 
of the pier; a very efficient dew-cap has been provided, and the 
necessary corresponding counterpoises have been made ; the decli- 
nation clamp has been altered to obviate its slipping. The 
eyepieces have been properly arranged and labeled. One of them 
is missing, and it is supposed to be in the possession of an east- 
ern optician. The micrometer has received new threads. A 
micrometer lamp is much needed. The pier is found to be 
extremely sensitive to the least blow struck upon the ground 
anywhere near the building. 

The Transit. — The instrument belonging to Mr. Davis 
having been dismounted in August, the portable Wurdemann 
transit was on the 1st of September mounted on a heavy wooden 
block, standing between the stone pillars built by Professor 
Mitchel. The Wurdemann transit is so mounted upon a turn- 
table as to be readily set at any azimuth. The shutter of the 
transit room, and still more the roof gutters, leak so as some- 
what to endanger the instrument in heavy storms. They can 
not be repaired without considerable labor. 



ANNUAL REPORT. 3 I 



The Zenith Telescope. — This instrument was temporarily 
mounted on the transit pier ; but the shutter openings proving 
too narrow, I have now in course of construction a roofless 
house, within which it can be used in pleasant weather. It is a 
matter of deep regret that the completion of the pier and house 
for the zenith telescope has been so unexpectedly delayed that 
it is not yet finished, though, perhaps, one day's work will now 
complete it. 

The clocks and chronometers remain as they were last 
June, excepting that the clock (Molyneaux 151) was cleaned 
and oiled in September last, by Mr. Keller, at the expense of 
Mr. W. W. McGrew. It has not been stopped, or its rate 
altered, since the adjustment immediately subsequent to that 
event. The three chronometers have continued their admirable 
performance, although two of them, as their makers (T. S. & 
J. D. Negus) inform me, ought now to be cleaned, having 
already run over three years. These have twice run down 
during my absence from the Observatory. The rates of two of 
these have been remarkably uniform when kept at the proper 
temperature. Cold below 32 , however, affects them very 
largely. 

Barometer and Thermometers. — These remain without any 
change- — the barometer hanging in the transit-room, and the 
thermometers attached to a frame within a space sheltered on all 
sides by wooden-frame lattice work. 

A self-recording barometer and thermometer was received 
in December from New York, but having suffered much dam- 
age at the hands of the express companies, it was returned to the 
makers. Such an instrument is, however, very much needed, in 
order to keep up a regular series of hourly meteorological obser- 
vations, and similar apparatus for the registry of the wind is 
equally desirable. 



32 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

In October Mr. W. Alden deposited with the Observatory- 
two specimens of Smith & Beck's anemometers, with which 
many observations were made, but both are now out of repair; 
they are mounted upon a pedestal on the centre of the movable 
equatorial roof — that being the highest and fittest point on the 
grounds. 

During the coming year it will, by all means, be desirable 
to procure one of the Pistor & Martin's prismatic sextants, also 
a simple apparatus for measuring base lines, and one of Zollner's 
photometers, to be attached to the equatorial. 

ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATIONS. 

The past year's experience has certainly developed greater 
hindrances to exact and satisfactory observations than had been 
foreseen. Frequent absence from the city, as hereafter explain- 
ed, and the tedious illness before alluded to, have conspired to 
diminish the time possible to be given to observations. 

The general course has been as follows : On still, clear 
evenings the equatorial was used until the deposition of dew 
covered the object-glass, or a light wind arose sufficient to dis- 
turb the adjustments, or to turn the smoke from the Observatory 
chimneys into the eyes of the observer, thus clogging up and 
injuring the delicate micrometer with which the observations are 
made. When the wind has been strong enough to prevent the 
proper use of the equatorial, I have given my attention to the 
transit instrument and the zenith telescope. 

The observations with the equatorial embrace the follow- 
ing : 

1. Observations for determining the adjustment of the tel- 
escope have been made on twenty stars, on five nights. 

2. Measurements of fifteen double stars with the microm- 
eter. 



ANNUAL REPORT. 



33 



3. Observations of Jupiter's belts, and eclipses and occulta- 
tions of his satellites. 

4. Observations of Saturn's rings. 

5. Determination of relative position of Neptune with refer- 
ence to its neighboring star, 80 Piscium. 

6. Measurement of the objective focal length, and the 
determination of the value of one revolution of the micrometer 
screw, by linear measurement as well as by observations of 
Polaris. 

7. Twelve drawings and measurements of spots on Mars 
during and subsequent to its opposition. 

8. Observations during the lunar eclipse, January 27, 1869. 

9. The principal work, however, has been the revision of 
the southern heavens for new double stars, which has been prose- 
cuted whenever the atmosphere was sufficiently steady and the 
wind not too strong. About one-sixth of the southern heavens 
here visible has been examined in nineteen zones, and forty-six 
double stars are recorded ; their relative positions have been esti- 
mated, and their right ascensions and declinations observed to the 
tenth of a minute of time and arc respectively. 

Many of these stars are so-called coarse double — the 
atmosphere and telescope being very rarely in a condition to 
detect the close and difficult double stars. 

We have no means proper for observing the sun with con- 
venience. 

The use of the equatorial is attended with very great 
exposure of the person, owing to the unchecked and rapid radi- 
ation from the observing room when the roof is rolled off. 

The transit instrument has been used only for the deter- 
mination of the clock correction. I have made almost exclu- 
sive use of the elegant method recently developed by Mr. 
5 



34 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

William Dollen, and it has proved itself admirably adapted to 
the needs of the Observatory, since the transit pier need not be 
depended upon as to its position for any long space of time. 
Two hundred observations have been made according to this 
method, giving fifty time determinations. 

The clock and chronometers have been compared together 
daily, with but few omissions except since the 12th of No- 
vember last. The clock rate has been very satisfactory, but 
would be evidently improved if the clock could be placed in a 
cave or cellar of uniform temperature, as is now the frequent 
custom. 

The zenith telescope has not yet been brought into use, but 
will be so soon as the house intended for its reception can be 
finished. 

SHOOTING STARS. 

Arrangements were made with many persons for simulta- 
neous observations of the meteoric shower of last November. 
My own illness quite frustrated the completion of the pro- 
gramme and the working up of the results kindly sent me by 
other observers. The observations were finally transferred to 
Prof. H. A. Newton, of Yale College, who is the acknowledged 
leader in this department, and have been used by him. 

Observations and charts of the paths of the meteors were 
received from 

D. E. Hunter, Peru, Indiana. 

W. C. Taylor, Philadelphia, Penn. 

C. G. Boerner, Vevay, Indiana. 

S. P. Langley, Pittsburg, Penn. 

G. S. B. Hempstead, Hanging Rock, Lawrence county, O. 

F. K. Atkins, Northfield, Rice county, Minnesota. 

R. B. Warder, North Bend, Hamilton county, Ohio. 



ANNUAL REPORT. 



3S 



EXPEDITIONS. 

Under this head must be included : 

1. Some thirty visits generally during cloudy weather to 
various points in the county, suggested as proper sites for build- 
ing an observatory in case of its removal. Of these a special 
report has been made. 

2. A trip to Chicago to attend the annual meeting of the 
American Association for the advancement of science. This 
was extended to a journey to the Western extremity of the 
Union Pacific Railroad. In this trip I was particularly requested 
by certain parties to consider the advantages offered by the Sum- 
mit Station," Sherman," for the establishment of an observatory, 
but many matters of special interest to this observatory were 
attended to, as will appear hereafter. 

3. An expedition to Ironton, Lawrence county, for the pur- 
pose of determining the latitude and longitude of that point, and 
of establishing a standard meridian line. 

4. Several trips to Columbus and elsewhere in the interests 
of a proposed topographical and magnetic survey of the State. 

5. Two short trips with barometers for the purpose of 
making a direct comparison between the Observatory barometer 
and others in use in the neighborhood of the city. 

During the present spring, the barometrical comparisons 
will be continued, and the geographical position of Columbus, 
Ohio ; Lexington, Ky.; Ludlow's Station, and possibly of some 
points in Alabama, will be determined. An expedition to Da- 
kota, for the observation of the total eclipse of next August, is 
also contemplated. 

CITY TIME. 

The time has been furnished gratuitously to those clock 
makers who chose to apply for it. Two of them have done so 



$6 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

regularly. An offer to furnish it to the city on the same terms 
was made to Mayor Wilstach, during the past winter ; it has 
not yet been acted upon. 

GEODESY. 

The longitude of Willow Island Station, on the Union Pa- 
cific Railroad was determined during my journey, in August last. 

The longitude of Ironton, and the position of its meridian 
line were determined in November. 

Preparations have been made for obtaining the position of 
Columbus and the latitude of Cincinnati, and to join by a small 
triangulation the Observatory with Ludlow Station — the point 
occupied by Colonel Jared Mansfield as his observatory in 
1806-16, 

The elevation of the Observatory above low water mark 
has been kindly ascertained for me by the employees of the 
United States Engineer Corps. In concert with Prof. O. N. 
Stoddard, of Oxford, Colonel J. Ammen, of Lockland, and 
others, barometrical observations were made last July, by which 
the elevations of several points were approximately determined. 

Considerable pains has been taken to collect the data fur- 
nished by surveys for railroads and canals, and to deduce the rel- 
ative altitudes of points in their routes. About two hundred 
such determinations are now at hand, but there must be 
thousands of such in the possession of surveyors and railroad 
engineers. 

METEOROLOGY. 

Although my frequent absence from the Observatory has 
entirely prevented a continuous series of observations of the 
barometer, etc., such as would be of value to the science of 
meteorology, yet such observations as were possible were made 
up to the middle of November. I have not yet recommenced 



ANNUAL REPORT. 37 



this series, as it loses most of its value because of its fragment- 
ary nature. 

In accordance with my desire to organize a Meteorological 
Union for the Ohio Valley, I have solicited reports from various 
observers, and have received or am promised such from 

J. G. Rice, Princeton, Mariposa county, California. 

U. T. Curran, Glendale, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

M. S. Turrill, Cumminsville, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

R. B. Warder, North Bend, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

G. W. Harper, Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

T. W. Gordon, Georgetown, Brown county, Ohio. 

J. W. Hammitt, College Hill, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

G. W. Oyler, Storrs, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

A. B. Johnston, Avondale, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

O. M. Langdon, Longview Asylum, Hamilton county, O. 

G. A. Carnahan, Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

D. B. Gamble, Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

Young Ladies Seminary, Mount Auburn, Hamilton county, 
Ohio. 

John Davis, Groesbeck, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

Th. Weilson, Sparta, Randolph county, Illinois. 

C. G. Boerner, Vevay, Indiana. 

Theo. F. French, Carthage, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

G. B. S. Hempstead, Hanging Rock, Lawrence county, O. 

W. Brickley, Delhi, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

G. A. Clause, Cheviot, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

Mrs. Sarah Bodley, Storrs township, Hamilton county, Ohio. 

W. A. Smith, Tollestown, Lewis county, Ky. 

A system of storm predictions having proved itself in 
Europe and India of the very greatest usefulness and value, 
an attempt is now being made to bring about such a system here, 
which will be of peculiar value to the Atlantic States, as most 



38 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

of our storms originate this side of the Rocky Mountains and 
move eastward. I have secured observers at Omaha, Cheyenne 
and Sherman and Salt Lake City, who will co-operate as soon as 
a plan is fully matured. 

Every opportunity has been improved to collect the data 
bearing on the meteorology of Cincinnati and Ohio during the 
past century. Much scattered information is received, but some 
years must elapse before the collection will be complete enough 
to publish. The Observatory is particularly indebted to Mr. 
Robert Clarke for the kind transmission of manuscript observa- 
tions made from 1824 to 1833, by Thos. McBride, at Hamilton. 

For use at the Observatory self-recording instruments are 
very much to be desired. 

MAGNETISM. 

The Observatory has no instruments proper for the deter- 
mination of the magnetic elements, although application is fre- 
quently made to us for this information. The variation of the 
needle was obtained by me last August from the local surveyors 
on the route of the Union Pacific Railroad, several of them 
making several determinations. Their results agree well with 
the Isogonic chart published by the Coast Survey. Cincinnati 
was rendered quite an important and interesting point as regards 
terrestrial magnetism, by the labors of Dr. Locke, and it will be 
highly creditable if the Observatory seek to continue the repu- 
tation. 

COMPUTATIONS. 

As the scientific world has long looked, with interest, for 
the publication of the observations made at this Observatory, I 
have desired to begin this important work as soon as possible. 
The publications will be appropriately arranged as follows : Cat- 
alogue of new double stars; micrometrical observations of 



ANNUAL REPORT. 39 



double stars ; observations of solar spots; zone observations of 
faint stars. 

After spending about twenty days arranging and reducing 
the observations of the first class, I have reluctantly concluded 
that it is not advisable to proceed with their publication until 
some of the stars have been identified by me with the Equatorial, 
or have been found in some standard catalogue. This is neces- 
sary in order that the positions of the stars may be given with 
approximate accuracy. 

The observations of the second and third classes have been 
taken in hand, and will be published during the present year. 

A series of observations made with the Prime-Vertical 
Transit, at Washington, is also in my hands undergoing discus- 
sion ; as also a series made at the observatory at Poulkova, in 
1865 and 1866. 

A slight discussion of the connection between certain 
meteorological phenomena and the sun's spots is now nearly 
completed. 

Besides the daily computation of time, etc., the other 
computations and studies are properly noticed under the follow- 
ing head. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

I have carefully collected the titles of the works published 
by Professor Mitchel and others, during their connection with 
the Observatory, and insert this list in the hope that it may re- 
ceive further corrections and additions. 

I. Constitution of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, 
together with the Officers and the names of the 
Stockholders. 8vo. Cincinnati, 1842. 

II. An Oration delivered before the C. A. S. on the occa- 
sion of Laying the Corner Stone, Nov. 10, 1843, 



40 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

by John Quincy Adams, together with the Constitu- 
tion of May, 1842. 8vo. Cincinnati, 1843. 

III. The Annual Address delivered before the C. A. S., 

June 3, 1844, by the Hon. J. Burnet. 8vo. Cincin- 
nati, 1844. 

(This includes the Constitution of 1 844 ; the Act of 
Incorporation ; the First Annual Report of the 
Board of Control and of the Director, and a Cata- 
logue of the Stockholders.) 

IV. The Annual Address delivered before the C. A. S., 

June, 1845, by E. D. Mansfield, together with the 
Second Annual Report of the Board of Control, and 
of the Director of the Observatory. 8vo. Cincinnati, 

1845. 

V. Account of the Foundation of the Cincinnati Observ- 
atory. Letter of O. M. Mitchel, April 7, 1845. 
Astronomische Nachrichten, XXIII, p. 99. 

VI. Observation of the Transit of Mercury, May 8, 1845. 
Astronomische Nachrichten, XXIII, p. 313. 

VII. The Third Annual Report of the Director of the 
Observatory. Sid. Mess. Vol. 1, Cincinnati, 1846. 

VIII. The Sidereal Messenger — a Monthly Journal devoted 
to Astronomical Science, edited by O. M. Mitchel. 
Vol. I, 1846-1847. Vol. II, 1847-1848. Vol. Ill, 
No. 1, 1848. 



ANNUAL REPORT. 41 



IX. The Planetary and Stellar Worlds. i2mo. New 
York, 1848. 

X. The Geography of the Heavens, by E. Burritt, edited 
by O. M. Mitchel, with an Atlas. i2mo. New 
York) 1849. 

XI. Report of Professor O. M. Mitchel, of Cincinnati, on 
the Mechanical Record of Astronomical Observa- 
tions. U. S. Coast Survey Report for 1849. 

XII. On a New Method of Observing and Recording As- 
tronomical Right Ascensions and North Polar Dis- 
tances, by O. M. Mitchel. Proceedings Am. Assoc. 
Adv. Sci. at New Haven in 1850. 

XIII. On the Longitude of the Cincinnati Observatory by 

Telegraphic Operations in connection with the U. S. 
Coast Survey, in 1848, by O. M. Mitchel and S. C. 
Walker. Proceedings Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci. at Cin- 
cinnati in 1 85 1. 

XIV. Report of O. M. Mitchel to the Superintendent of 

the Coast Survey, on a New Method of Recording 
Differences of Declination by Electro-Magnetism. 
U. S. Coast Survey Report fir 185 1. 

XV. An Address delivered at the Dedication of the Astro- 

nomical Observatory of Hamilton College, June 16, 
1856, by O. M. Mitchel. 8vo. Utica, 1856. 

XVI. Reports of O. M. Mitchel and H. Twitchell on the 
Moon Culminations observed at Cincinnati in 1856- 
1858. U. S. Coast Survey Report for 1858. 
6 



42 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

XVII. On Personal Equation — a Letter to the Astronomer 

Royal. R. A S. Monthly Notices. Vol. XVIII, p. 
261, 1858. 

XVIII. The Great Unfinished Problems of the Universe — a 

Lecture delivered at the New York Academy of 
Music. 8vo. New lork, 1859. 

XIX. Occultation of a ninth magnitude Star by Jupiter 
and by his First Satellite, by G. W. Hough. Briin- 
now's Astron. Notices, No, 17, i860. 

XX. Popular Astronomy — a Concise Elementary Treatise, 
by O. M. Mitchel. i2mo. New York, i860. 

XXI. The Astronomy of the Bible, by O. M. Mitchel, 
i2mo. New York, 1 863. 

There have been published during the past year the fol- 
lowing : 

XXII. Inaugural Report to the Board of Control. July 2, 

1! 



XXIII. The Resuscitation of the Cincinnati Observatory. 
Proc. Am. Assoc. Adv. Science, Chicago Meeting. 

XXIV. A Letter to the Astronomische Nachrichten, July, 
1868. 

XXV. Circular inviting Meteorological Observations for 
Hypsometrical Purposes. July, 1868. 

XXVI. Circular inviting Observations of the November 
Meteors. October, 1868* 



ANNUAL REPORT. 43 



XXVII. The Meridian Line of Lawrence County. Decem- 
ber, 1! 



XXVIII. The Longitude of Ironton. December, 1868. 

XXIX. The Solar Eclipses of August, 1868 and August, 
1869. January 7, 1869. 

XXX. Memorial to the General Assembly of the State of 
Ohio. March, 1869. 

XXXI. Dorpat and Poulkova. 

An. Report Sec'y Smithsonian Inst, for 1867. 

XXXII. On the Altitudes of Eight Points in the neighborhood 
of Cincinnati. March, 1867. 

XXXIII. The Aurora of April 17, i860. April, 1869. 

XXXIV. The Solar Eclipse of next August. April, 1869. 

Of these works the stock now on hand is as follows : 

No. I. The Constitution and Stockholders, 77 copies. 

II. Adams' Oration, 1,343 copies. 

III. Burnet's Address, none. 

IV. Mansfield's Address, 408. 

XXIII. Resuscitation of the Cincinnati Observatory, 260. 
XXXI. Dropat and Poulkova, 100. 

A translation of Dollen's " Zeitbestimmung" has been re- 
quested by the Navy Department, and would have been pub- 
lished during the past year had I not withdrawn it temporarily in 
order to add thereto certain improvements lately made by the 
author. 

It is very desirable that the Observatory should itself assume 
the publication of such of its proceedings, or annual reports, as 



44 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 

may be of general interest, or at least secure a sufficient number 
of copies, in pamphlet form, to enable it to make to other obser- 
vatories and astronomers some suitable return for the kindness 
shown by them in presenting their own publications to us. 

ARCHIVES. 

The records of the observations made at the Observatory 
have been arranged, labeled and indexed, and are now easily 
accessible. A number of original records are lost, but their 
place is supplied by what appear to be careful copies or sum- 
maries. The observations of the past year are contained in ten 
volumes of convenient size and uniform appearance. 

EXCHANGES. 

In pursuance of the time-honored custom established among 
scientific institutions, I have sent one hundred and twenty-six 
copies of publications, Nos. II and IV respectively, to as many 
European observatories, they having honored us by the presen- 
tation of their own publications at one time or another. One 
hundred and eight copies of the inaugural report of last July 
have been presented at my own expense, and fifty copies of No. 
XXXI as well as ninety-eight copies of No. XXVIII. Fifty 
copies of Nos. II and IV have also been placed in the hands of 
Robert Clarke & Co. for distribution among those interested in 
the Observatory in this city. 

On the other hand the Observatory has received since the 
first day of May last donations from : 

Dr. A. von Oettingen, Dorpat, Russia. I volume. 

Prof. Carl von Littrow, Vienna, Austria. 4 volumes. 

The Nautical Almanac Office, London, England. 1 vol. 

The Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford, England. 2 vol- 
umes. 



ANNUAL REPORT. 



45 



The Connecticut Acad, of Arts and Sciences, New Haven, 
Conn. I volume. 

The Royal University of Norway, Christiania, Norway. 8 
volumes. 

Prof. E. Plantamour, Geneva, Switzerland. 4 volumes. 

The U. S. Army Engineers, Washington, D. C. 2 vol- 
umes. 

The U. S. Naval Observatory, Washington, D. C. 2 vol- 
umes. 

The National School of Medicine, Bucharest, Roumania. 
4 volumes. 

Prof. H. A. Newton, New Haven, Conn. 5 pamphlets. 

The Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 6 
volumes. 

The American Nautical Almanac Office. 6 volumes. 

The Dudley Observatory, Albany, N. Y. 1 volume. 

The U. S. Army Surgeon .General, Washington, D. C. 
2 volumes. 

The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 54 vol- 
umes. 

Mr. Henry Twitchell, Cincinnati. 2 volumes. 

The U. S. Coast Survey, Washington, D. C. 5 volumes. 

Mr. Julius Dexter, Cincinnati. 3 volumes. 

Mr. Robert Clarke", Cincinnati. 2 volumes. 

Mr. Wm. Goodman, Cincinnati. 2 volumes. 

The Cincinnati Y. M. C. A. 1 pamphlet. 

Prof. G. B. Airy, Greenwich, England. 1 volume. 

Prof. A. Secchi, Rome, Italy. 1 volume. 

The Royal Observatory, Madrid, Spain. 4 volumes. 

Prof. F. Kaiser, Leiden, Holland. 3 volumes. 

The Austrian Meteorological Association, Vienna, Austria. 



2 volumes. 



46 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 



THE LIBRARY. 

This important part of the material resources of the Observ- 
atory for study and research was, as mentioned in my Inaugural 
Report, more than doubled in its quantity and value by the kind- 
ness of the officers of the National Observatory. During the 
last year but one addition has been made by purchase. The 
receipt by way of exchange, of 135 volumes', has been already 
mentioned. It was expected that the private library of Professor 
Mitchel would have been received ere this, but in this I have 
been disappointed. There are still missing a number of volumes 
known to have been once presented to the Observatory by Euro- 
pean astronomers. It seems that at the time when Mr. Twitchell 
gave up his connection with this Observatory he suggested to Pro- 
fessor Mitchel the propriety of sending the entire library to Al- 
bany, as it would, it was supposed, be far safer there than here. 
On Professor MitchePs death orders were given by his executors 
to return all works properly belonging to the Observatory to this 
city. In these journeyings the library may have suffered some- 
what ; through the kindness of friends in Europe, however, these 
losses will be partly repaired during the coming year. In order 
not to encroach upon the funds of the society I have purchased 
at my own expense such works as were pressingly needed in the 
Observatory ; during the future such a course will be hardly 
necessary. As with few exceptions all astronomical works are 
published unbound, it has been necessary to expend a small sum 
in binding such as were in need thereof. 

The library is classified and arranged upon shelving which 
will probably give sufficient room for two years to come. The 
catalogue is, properly speaking, of the nature of an "Accession 
Catalogue. " A systematic index will be provided at some future 



ANNUAL REPORT. 47 



time ; at present its place is well supplied by the invaluable 
catalogue of the Library of the Imperial Central Observatory 
at Poulkova. 

The current number of the Accession Catalogue is 1614, 
which represents about 1200 independent volumes and pam- 
phlets. 

My private library contains about 750 volumes and pam- 
phlets. 

Desiring to make this, which is a special astronomical stu- 
dent's library, of more general usefulness, I have proposed a 
simple arrangement to the Trustees of the Public Library, by 
which, if accepted, a mutual benefit will result. 

The character of the Observatory library is so anomalous, 
containing so many imperfect sets of series and wanting in so 
many really desirable works that I with some confidence express 
the hope that its deficiencies may receive immediate attention in 
case the existence of the Observatory be placed upon a perma- 
nent foundation. One of the best selected libraries of Europe, 
containing 1900 larger volumes and over 1800 dissertations, the 
property of the director of a prominent observatory, has been 
offered to this observatory at the very moderate price of six thou- 
sand dollars. 

VISITORS. 

Whenever I have been present in the Observatory, visitors 
have been freely admitted ; probably one hundred and fifty have 
visited the Observatory during the year. This course will be 
pursued in the future so far as it does not interfere with the 
observatory work. It would be highly advantageous if the 
Board of Control would inaugurate the custom of an annual 
official visit at the time of the rendering of the report of the 
Director. 



48 CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY. 



CURRENT EXPENSES. 
These have been largely increased by the necessity of pro- 
viding stoves, etc., for winter use. Bills of sundries have been 
presented to the Treasurer of the Society at irregular intervals 
and promptly paid. The expenses of traveling, and of corres- 
pondence, and of needed books, have been borne by myself, 
though I shall hardly be able to do so during the future. Repairs 
have generally been made by myself or Mr. W. P. Kinney, with 
occasional outside assistance, the custom being established of 
purchasing tools and material and doing the work at spare hours. 

CLEVELAND ABBE. 



